The Hindi Film Industry has a big heart for its superstars. So, it has to be a huge event when the four Khans, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan or even the youngest guy in the list, Ranbir Kapoor has a release. And why wouldn’t it be huge? Out of the two hundred releases or so in a year, the moolah is mainly brought in by these superstars when they appear on the silver screen. Both producers and distributors can count on them. Rarely do they fail to get the crowd and numbers. I, for one am not a Hrithik Roshan fan but I must be among the very first people to book an advance ticket for the first day first show of this huge release of the year – ‘Krrish-3’, the eagerly awaited sequel to Papa Rakesh Roshan’s successful ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ and ‘Krrish’ (I’m still wondering when was ‘Krrish-2’ made). While I have never enjoyed any of Rakesh Roshan’s movies, ‘Krrish’ did keep me hooked especially for the last forty-five odd minutes. Expecting the superhero to get even better this time and also because the trailers looked very promising, I must admit I wanted to like ‘Krrish-3’ even before the movie began.
The movie starts with a voice-over by Big B summarizing the story in the prequels for the audience. We are quickly taken into the life of the now happily-married couple Krrish (Hrithik Roshan) and Priya (Priyanka Chopra) who live with father Rohit (an old pot-bellied Hrithik). Rohit is a scientist applying all the knowledge and powers alien Jadoo once bestowed him while his son continues to be the favourite saviour-cum-superhero with a golden heart (and also failing miserably doing odd jobs when he isn’t busy doing what he is meant to do). In some part of the world (no idea where), an evil mastermind (on a wheelchair) Kaal (Vivek Oberoi) is experimenting in order to destroy the world, creating a team of mutants (he calls them ‘maanwars’, a cross between ‘maanav’ and ‘jaanwar’) and also brooding over a few unanswered questions about himself. Kaal spreads a dangerous virus in Mumbai and Krrish is on the rescue but not without his father’s support.
‘Krissh-3’ is really high on VFX (some scenes easily matching up to Hollywood standards) but low on most other aspects. The script is too loose… loose enough to make you yawn at times. Direction by Rakesh Roshan is quite unintentionally hilarious. Perhaps, he wanted to merge a superhero flick with drama evident in Indian Cinema. That is where he fails miserably. Picture this! A ‘maanwar’ (played by Kangana Ranaut) lands up at Krrish’s home assuming his wife’s form and stays with him for a few days. Guess what! She falls for him, dreams a song too and becomes good. Roshan Senior, you could have done better especially when you have also written the story. I also have this strange feeling that his brother, Rajesh Roshan who is supposedly a music composer hums tunes sitting on a toilet pot and then makes that his music. That should explain why his music is so tuneless. Tuneless songs not needed in the movie. Background score by Salim-Sulaiman is good and adds to the proceedings. But to make up for the loss, there is some astounding VFX here. Take for example the climax fight between Krrish and Kaal. Thumbs up! Add to that, it has been so well done without taking help from international counterparts. Costumes could have been better. Also, Rakesh Roshan’s approach is not very imaginative and he seems to be inspired by other superhero movies. He does a good job by keeping the villain powerful here unlike in ‘Krrish’. That adds up to a certain impact.
Hrithik Roshan is capable of pulling off the role of a superhero and
he does really well especially, in the action sequences though he comes across repetitive as the father. Priyanka Chopra hams it up in a meaningless role and all she can do is giggle. She is wasted in such roles and is meant only for challenging roles where she sparkles. Kangana Ranaut is okay. It is Vivek Oberoi who gets to play a juicy role and he puts up quite a convincing performance. This might be a game-changer for him and he desperately needs one after only a few memorable performances and a string of flops. Naseeruddin Shah is in a cameo.
Watch it or not: A must-watch for Hrithik loyalists and fans of ‘Krrish’. Children should love it more. Others can watch it for the somewhat excellent VFX.
At the Box-Office: It has a superstar and the hype to join the 200 crore domestic club. Will it? Reviews will range from poor to excellent. It will open with a bang, also because it is a Diwali release. Will it beat ‘Chennai Express’ which stands at 420 crore plus worldwide collections? There are chances but I doubt.
My Verdict
My Rating
Lazily scripted and directed… but the somewhat excellent VFX saves the day for ‘Krrish-3’. Wish Jadoo could do a miracle and teach Rakesh Roshan his craft… Hmm! I’m going with 2 plus an extra 1 for the VFX.